Veteran Swan calls Grand Final last game

Just days after the grand final loss, Ben McGlynn has announced his retirement ahead of the 2016 Bob Skilton Medal count. He told his team mates on Thursday, after a career spanning two clubs and 171 games, kicking 195 goals in 11 seasons.

All finals series have hard luck stories and 2012 was no different for McGlynn. The 31 year old injured his hamstring in the qualifying final win against Adelaide, and missed the rest of the finals series, even after fighting to prove his fitness on the eve of the grand final. He played in the 2014 and 2016 grand final losses, unable to help his side to victory in either game.

He played a vital role in the Swans forward line as a small forward from 2011-13, kicking more than 30 goals in consecutive seasons. 2016 saw a return to the small forward role, forming an important relationship with Gary Rohan and Tom Papley in the finals.

“I’d like to thank the Sydney Swans for the opportunity to pursue my dream, and the Hawthorn Football Club for the start of my career,” McGlynn said on Thursday.

“But there’s no doubt my family has been my biggest inspiration along the journey, and I wouldn’t have been able to do what I’ve done without their support.

“The past seven years here at the Swans has been a highlight of my life, and there so many memories I will cherish forever.

He was a respected member of the team, and loved by the fans. Longmire paid tribute to Ben when asked about his retirement.

“Despite his relatively short stature, Ben has had a big influence on the team both on and off the field,” he said.

“The way he played his football gave the team real energy.

“He was hard, committed, he really valued the things we value as a team, and he did them really well.

“When Ben was firing the team was a much better team, because he was able to make those around him better.”